ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Factually incorrect and misleading Media Report on “Vanishing Toilets in Madhya Pradesh”
A recent media report in The Times of India, dated 10thFebruary, 2020 and titled ‘In MP, 4.5 lakh Swachh toilets disappeared in Rs. 540 cr scam”, has made random extrapolations based on incomplete and unverified data. The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, would like to place on record that this report, and other newspaper articles that have quoted this report, are factually incorrect and misleading.
The survey in question was an informal and preliminary data collection exercise by the grassroots volunteers called Swachhagrahis, to identify if any gaps have been left on the ground so as to ensure that no one is left behind. Based on this preliminary report, the State Government initiated a formal verification process through district collectors. So far, about 46,365 of the “missing” SBM toilets have been checked and it has been found that only 649  were actually missing. Under the SBM’s ‘No One Left Behind ’ component, these households will be ensured access to toilets on priority.
This ongoing verification exercise by district collectors prima facie indicates that the entire report is exaggerated. Meanwhile, to extrapolate a “multi crore scam” from this exercise is not only erroneous, but seems to be biased and intentionally misleading.
The SBM has always functioned to ensure maximum accountability and transparency in its implementation. All financial incentives in Madhya Pradesh have been paid through Direct Benefit Transfer  over the past three years. Any identified error is corrected on priority by the state government, and appropriate action will be taken against those responsible in this case as well.
A team of officials from the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, has also been sent to assess the sanitation status of the identified households.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on Parshuram Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Parshuram Jayanti.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "भगवान परशुराम की जयंती के पावन अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को शुभकामनाएं।"
Special Service and Features
National Statistical Office in collaboration with University of Madras organises quiz programme for college students
National Statistical Office , Regional Office, Ministry of Statistics' Programme Implementation, Government of India, Chennai in collaboration with Department of Statistics, University of Madras, Chennai organized quiz programme for college students on 23 March, 2023 with the objective of increasing awareness related to statistics and underlining the importance of statistics in policy making and planning. The quiz programme was organized at Conference Hall, ‘A’ wing, Shastri Bhawan, Nungambakkam, Chennai.
The participants were mainly from colleges affiliated to University of Madras and Deemed universities in and around Chennai. Officers from NSO and faculties of The Department of Statistics, Madras University actively participated in the event.
Smt. Anitha Parthasaradhi, ISS Deputy Director/Head of Office, NSO , Chennai welcomed the guests. Dr. P.T Subha, ISS, Deputy Director General, NSO, Chennai inaugurated the programme. She emphasized the importance of sample surveys and official data and how it help in the planning and policy making process. She urged the students to find the career prospects in the field of Statistics. She also encouraged the students to spread the awareness about NSO surveys for better cooperation from the public.
Smt. M. R. Sindhumol, Head of the Department, University of Madras, Chennai delivered a special address in which she mentioned about the importance and wide scope of opportunities in statistics and how various types of data is used in our day-to-day life. On this occasion, Dr. Chandrasekar K, ISS Deputy Director and Ms. Amelia Betsy, ISS, Assistant Director, conducted the quiz program for the students.
Team of Malolan T.A., and Jeyakumar from Madras Christian College, Tambaram, Chennai won the first prize. Aadhyanth Karthik K, Sivanesh N, Bharathi Institute of Higher Education , Research, Tambaram came as the 1 st Runners up. All the students apart from the winners were given certificates of participation.
Prime Minister's Office
Jal Jeevan Mission is giving new impetus to the development of the country : PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has said that Jal Jeevan Mission is giving new impetus to the development of the country today. He also said that in less than last 3 years, the water has reached the crores of home which is a great example of public aspirations and public participation.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"जल जीवन मिशन आज देश के विकास को एक नई गति दे रहा है। पिछले 3 वर्षों से भी कम समय में जिस प्रकार करोड़ों घरों में नल से जल पहुंचा है, वो जन आकांक्षाओं और जन भागीदारी की एक बड़ी मिसाल है।"
Ministry of Defence
DRDO Celebrates Constitution Day
Defence Research and Development Organisation  celebrated Constitution Day today to commemorate the
70th anniversary of the adoption of the constitution. The most important part of the celebration was the reading of Preamble to the Constitution by the DRDO fraternity. A webinar was organized by DRDO to mark the occasion.
Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri Shripad Naik, Chief Guest for the occasion, joined the webinar through video conferencing and delivered a talk on “Constitutional Values and Fundamental Principles of Indian Constitution”. In his address, he recalled the contribution of the founding fathers of the Constitution and said that the Constitution is not only a theoretical idea, it must be made important to the lives of individuals in every part of the country. He further added that the Constitution needs to interfaced with the citizens of the country.
Many DRDO DGs, Directors, Senior Scientists and other senior officials joined the webinar through Video Conferencing.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President greets the nation on the eve of Mahavir Jayanti
The Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar has greeted the people of the nation on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.
Following is the text of the message:
“I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of ‘Mahavir Jayanti’.
Bhagwan Mahavir’s teachings inspire us to lead a life of purity, kindness and righteousness. Mahavir Jayanti is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment towards the tri-ratna of right faith, right knowledge and right conduct for a rich, fulfilling life.
Let us rededicate ourselves to Lord Mahavir’s ideals and work towards creating a world guided by compassion, kindness and truth.”
Following is the Hindi text of the message:
“महावीर जयंती की पूर्व संध्या पर माननीय उपराष्ट्रपति का संदेश।
'महावीर जयंती' के शुभ अवसर पर मैं देशवासियों को हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएं देता हूं।
भगवान महावीर की शिक्षाएँ हमें शुचिता, करुणा और सच्चाई के मार्ग पर चलते हुए जीवन जीने के लिए प्रेरित करती हैं। महावीर जयंती एक समृद्ध - सार्थक जीवन हेतु त्रिरत्नों - सम्यक् दर्शन, सम्यक् ज्ञान तथा सम्यक् चरित्र के प्रति हमारी प्रतिबद्धता की पुष्टि का एक सुअवसर है।
आइए भगवान महावीर के आदर्शों के प्रति खुद को समर्पित करते हुए, करुणा, दया और सत्य से प्रेरित विश्व के निर्माण की दिशा में मिलकर काम करें।“
Ministry of Labour & Employment
All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural and Rural Labourers – October, 2021
The All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers  for the month of October, 2021increasedby 14pointseach to stand at 1081  and 1090  points respectively. The major contribution towards the rise in general index of Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers came from Food group to the extent of 12.02 & 11.70 points respectively mainly due to rise in prices of vegatables & fruits, wheat-atta, pulses, onion, meat-goat, fish-fresh, mustard-oil, sugar, gur,chillies-green/dry etc.
The rise/fall in index varied from State to State. In case of Agricultural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 5 to 22 points in 19 States and a decrease of 5 points in Manipur State. Karnataka with 1254 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with 870 points stood at the bottom.
In case of Rural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 4 to 22 points in 19 States and a decrease of 5 points in Manipur State. Karnataka with 1252 points topped the index table whereas Bihar with 900 points stood at the bottom.
Amongst states, the maximum increase in the Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural and Rural Labourers was experienced by Jammu & Kashmir mainly due to rise in the prices of vegetables & fruits, onion, mustard-oil, plastic shoes etc. On the contrary, the maximum decrease in the Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers was experienced by Manipur State  mainly due to fall in the prices of rice, fish-fresh, firewood, vegetables & fruits etc.
Shri D.P.S. Negi, Principal Labour & Employment Advisor & Chief Labour Commissioner  said that point to point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL and CPI-RL stood at 2.76% &3.12% in October, 2021 compared to 2.89% & 3.16% respectively in September, 2021 and 6.59% and 6.45% respectively during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, Food inflation stood at 0.39% &0.59% in October, 2021 compared to 0.50% & 0.70% respectively in September, 2021 and 7.96% & 7.92% respectively during the corresponding month of the previous year.
All-India Consumer Price Index Number :
|
|
Group
|
|
Agricultural Labourers
|
|
Rural Labourers
|
|
|
|
Sept.,2021
|
|
Oct.,2021
|
|
Sept.,2021
|
|
Oct.,2021
|
|
General Index
|
|
1067
|
|
1081
|
|
1076
|
|
1090
|
|
Food
|
|
1004
|
|
1021
|
|
1011
|
|
1028
|
|
Pan, Supari, etc.
|
|
1826
|
|
1835
|
|
1838
|
|
1846
|
|
Fuel & Light
|
|
1173
|
|
1175
|
|
1169
|
|
1171
|
|
Clothing, Bedding &Footwear
|
|
1090
|
|
1096
|
|
1112
|
|
1120
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
1128
|
|
1133
|
|
1130
|
|
1135
The CPI – AL and RL for the month of November, 2021 will be released on 20thDecember, 2021.
Ministry of Power
Union Minister R. K. Singh visits Chhitkul village of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh under Vibrant Villages Programme
A Central PSU will adopt Chhitkul and assist the state government in developing it as a Vibrant Village: Union Minister
Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy R.K. Singh, accompanied by the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, participated in an interaction programme with local villagers, organised under Vibrant Villages Programme at Chhitkul in District Kinnaur today.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister and Union Power Minister interacted and listened to the grievances of the local villagers. They assured the people that all their genuine demands would be considered on priority.
Interacting with the local villagers, the Chief Minister said that the State government was determined towards upliftment of the rural populace, especially that of tribal areas and was according top priority for it. He said that the entire state of Himachal Pradesh has rich cultural heritage but that the cultural heritage of tribal areas has its own distinct identity, which attracts people from all over the world.
He also thanked the Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister for his visit to Himachal Pradesh.
While announcing the start of bus service from Chhitkul to Mandi, the Chief Minister assured to give sympathetic consideration to the demands for providing community hall, bus stand along with parking facilities, and construction of mini stadium at Chhitkul.
Addressing the gathering, the Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister said that the Vibrant Villages programme is an initiative of the Union Government to strengthen infrastructure facilities in the northern land border of the country and to provide all facilities there at par with those in cities. Chhitkul, Pooh, Nako, Leo and Chango villages of district Kinnaur will be developed under the Vibrant Villages Programme, informed the Minister.
The Union Minister informed the members of the community that a Central Public Sector Undertaking will adopt Chhitkul Village and assist the state government in developing it as Vibrant Village. “One Mega Watt power plant would be established in Chhitkul. Possibility of setting up micro hydel projects on rivulets of the area would also be explored. To promote tourism activities and the rich cultural heritage of the area, a cultural and tourist centre would also be established at Chhitkul.”
Later, the duo also visited the second Indo Tibetan Border Police  Battalion post at Nagasti and interacted with ITBP officers and Jawans.
Earlier, the Chief Minister and Union Minister were accorded a warm welcome by district administration on their arrival at Kuppa.
The state Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi welcomed the Chief Minister and Union Minister on this occasion.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister inaugurates the Bapu-Bangabandhu Digital Exhibition
As a part of his two-day visit to Bangladesh, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi along with Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated a Digital exhibition on Bapu and Bangabandhu. Bapu and Bangabandhu are two exemplary personalities from South Asian region, whose thoughts and messages resonate globally.
Shri Birad Yajnik, curator of the exhibition gave tour to the leaders where Sheikh Rehana also joined them.
Ministry of Textiles
Mega Silk Event to be Held in New Delhi Tomorrow
Ministry of Textiles, in association with Central Silk Board, is organizing an event, Surging Silk - Accomplishment and way forward, in New Delhi on 9th February 2019. Union Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj will be the chief guest and the event will be presided over by Union Minister of Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani.
The event is being organized to highlight the growth of silk industry in India over the past 4 years. It focusses on distribution of Buniyaad Tasar Silk Reeling Machines to women reelers from tribal areas, as part of total eradication of the age old practice of thigh reeling.In order to eradicate thigh reeling practice in tasar silk sector and to ensure rightful earning to the poor rural and tribal women reelers, Central Silk Technological Research Institutehas developed a machine in association with an entrepreneur from Champa, Chhattisgarh. The machine developed is known as Buniyaad Reeling machine. This machine will improve the quality and productivity of tasar silk yarn and reduce the drudgery of women.
Women reeler using the traditional method earns approximately Rs.125/- per day while a tasar reeler using Buniyaad reeling machine can earn Rs.350/- per day. The Buniyaad reeling machine is priced at Rs.8,475/- per unit excluding taxes and transportation charges. It is planned to eradicate thigh reeling and replace with Buniyaad reeling machine by end of March 2019. The machine is available with solar power and pedal attachments. Machine manufactures have already been identified for production and delivery of the machines to the reelers.
During the event, best achievers of silk industry across various segments of sericulture will be honoured. Awards will be given to the best performing states, release of melange fabric produced from silk waste will take place, a mobile application will be launched for quality certification in silkworm seed sector and a compendium on Indian silk industry and state sericulture profile will be released.
The compendium will be a comprehensive compilation on the status and growth of sericulture and silk industry of each state, plans and programmes launched by Government of India being implemented across the country and ethnic silk products supported with a directory of important contacts points, to have first-hand information of the industry.
Ministry has made elaborate arrangements for participation from different spectrum of Textile industry in large numbers.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Defence Industries Showcases Cutting-Edge Capabilities to Thailand
The Department Defence Production, MoD organized a briefing and interaction meeting with Thailand delegation led by Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Royal Thai Air force  – Air Marshal Piboon Vorravanpreecha in New Delhi on June 22, 2023 showcasing defense industries cutting-edge capabilities and fostering bilateral defense cooperation between two countries.
The Indian Defense Industries presented their state-of-the-art defense capabilities to Thailand delegation marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations. The event was aimed to deepen mutual understanding, explore potential partnerships, and contribute to the regional security.
During the event, both sides expressed their commitment to forging strong defense ties and exploring avenues for joint research, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships. The presentations and discussions would pave the way for future cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including defense research and development, joint exercises, and capacity-building initiatives.
PIB Headquarters
The 84th Anniversary General Meeting of Indian National Science Academy 
The 84th Anniversary General Meeting of Indian National Science Academy  will be hosted by Physical Research Laboratory  during December 26-28, 2018.This prestigious event will be co-hosted by Institute for Plasma Research  and Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar ,and half-day sessions will be organized at IPR and IIT-Gn on 27 December, 2018.
The anniversary meeting will be attended by around 200 delegates including INSA Fellows, other eminent scientists of the country from various scientific and engineering disciplines, ÍNSA Young Scientist awardees, INSA Teacher awardees and newly inducted fellows.This meeting will be graced by Secretaries of Department of Space, Department of Science &Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Directors of a few ISRO Centres as well as Directors of prominent research institutions of India.
The inaugural function of the INSA-AGM is on 26th December at 0900 AM at K R Ramanathan Auditorium of Physical Research Laboratory main campus . The programme schedule is attached herewith.
The important events of the INSA-AGM on 26th December includes “Vikram Sarabhai Space Science Symposium : Innovations from Space Program” scheduled during 11:45 to 13:30. This will be followed by two special award lectures, namely, “Meghnad Saha Medal Lecture” on Navigating Complexity by Common Sense by Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST,and “Aryabhatta Medal Lecture” on Need for Integration of Ayurveda with Modern Biology and Medicine by Prof. S.C. Lakhotia. Other six symposia are based on diverse topics of science and engineering themes like “Sustainable Energy and Chemical Engineering Platforms”, “Drug Discovery and Drug Development: The Indian Narrative”, “Ethics in Science and Education”, “Water Futures”, “AI-Scaling Up Artificial Intelligence in India”, and “Food Security and Genomics”.
NP/J.Khunt/GP/RP
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Ministry of Science & Technology
Himalayan Geothermal Springs release huge amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Himalaya hosts about 600 geothermal springs having varied temperature and chemical conditions.
Carbon outflux from Earth’s interior to the exosphere through volcanic eruptions, fault zones, and geothermal systems contribute to the global carbon cycle that effects short and long term climate of the Earth. Himalaya hosts about 600 geothermal springs having varied temperature and chemical conditions. Their role in regional and global climate, as well as the process of tectonic driven gas emission, needs to be considered while estimating emissions to the carbon cycle and thereby to global warming.
The Himalayan geothermal springs which cover about 10,000 square km in the Garhwal region of Himalaya, show a significant discharge of Carbon dioxide rich water. This was found by Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, which investigated and characterised the gas emissions from these springs. The estimated carbon dioxide degassing  flux is nearly 7.2 ×106 mol/year to the atmosphere.
The study published in the scientific journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research suggested that CO2 in these thermal springs are sourced from metamorphic decarbonation of carbonate rocks present deep in the Himalayan core along with magmatism and oxidation of graphite. Most of the geothermal water is dominated by evaporation followed by weathering of silicate rocks. Isotopic analyses further point towards a meteoric source for geothermal water.
The team of scientists carried out detailed chemical and stable isotope analysis of water samples collected from 20 geothermal springs from major fault zones of Garhwal Himalaya. Isotopic measurements  such as Dissolved Inorganic Carbon , and Oxygen  along with major ions were analysed for all the samples.
They found that the geothermal spring water contains high Dissolved Inorganic Carbon δ13CDIC ratio , and among the major ions, bicarbonate  varied between 1697 to 21,553 μEq/L; chloride and sodium ranged between 90 to 19,171 μEq/L and 436 to 23181 μEq/L. A high concentration of Cl− and Na+ in geothermal spring waters indicated its deeper source.
Simulation studies done by the WIHG team suggest that these geothermal springs have the potential to degas~7.2 × 106 mol of CO2 per year to the atmosphere. Estimated flux from this study is comparable to release of CO2 during the uplift of the Himalaya  and
sub-aerial volcanism  in the atmosphere. Such CO2 degassing should be taken into account to assess global carbon outflux in the earth’s atmosphere.
Fig. Schematic model for geogenic CO2 degassing. Background data: a Location of geothermal springs of study area plotted on geological map of the northwest  Himalaya obtained from Valdiya ; b Schematic degassing model of the study area adopted from Becker et al. ; c Background is the resistivity along our study area adopted from Caldwell et al.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves proposed combination involving amalgamation of HDFC Limited, HDFC Bank, HDFC Investments and HDFC Holdings
The Competition Commission of India  approves proposed combination involving amalgamation of HDFC Limited, HDFC Bank, HDFC Investments and HDFC Holdings.
Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited  is a housing finance company registered with the National Housing Bank and is primarily engaged in the business of providing finance to individuals, corporates and developers for the purchase, construction, development and repair of houses, apartments and commercial properties in India.
HDFC Bank Limited  is registered with the Reserve Bank of India  as a banking company and is engaged in the business of providing a range of banking and financial services including retail banking, wholesale banking and treasury operations through various branches in India.
HDFC Investments Limited  is registered with the RBI as a Systemically Important Non-Deposit Taking Non-Banking Financial Company and is engaged in the business of making investments in equity shares, preference shares, venture funds, mutual funds and other securities.
HDFC Holdings Limited  is registered with the RBI as a Systemically Important Non-Deposit Taking Non-Banking Financial Company and is engaged in the business of making investments in equity shares, preference shares, venture funds, mutual funds and other securities.
The proposed combination envisages a two-step amalgamation process:
Step 1: Amalgamation of HDFC Investments and HDFC Holdings into and with HDFC Limited, such that HDFC Limited will be the surviving entity post this step; and
Step 2: Amalgamation of the amalgamated HDFC Limited into HDFC Bank, such that HDFC Bank will be the surviving entity post this step. 
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.